We mustn't let our past define who we are or what we become but let us ensure that we take the right steps towards bringing out the best version of ourselves. Adire a beautifully dyed clothing which is made and worn by women from the south-west is a story of a young and beautiful lady who escapes from her past and is determined to redefine and take charge of her life.
Kehinde Bankole, who played the character Adire was superb with her acting skills and she nailed her role beautifully, no wonder she won the best lead actress in the movie at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award in 2024. She did a very good job indeed.
Yemi Blaq who played the character; Captain was known for keeping a harem of prostitutes, and strippers and was also into drug trafficking. He had taken Adire away at a very young age and turned her into a prostitute, a high-class one for that matter, she was his favorite and he used her to satisfy his selfish interest. Adire was enslaved as a sex worker whose worth was only seen as satisfying the sexual appetite of her clients.
Adire had to take the bold step of running away after stealing some money from Captain, now apart from being a sex worker, Adire was a good entrepreneur, she was into fashion designs with her specialty in women's undergarments. She settles down in a small community called Oyo town after running away from Captain.
In Oyo town, the women began to panic because Adire was taking the attention of the male folks in the community, she was sexually enticing and appealing to the men; each wanting to be with her.
Salewa; (played by Yvonne Jegede) discovered that her husband was regularly going out and staying late because of Adire. Salewa took the matter to the women's fellowship which was chaired by the Deaconess of the church; the pastor's wife. The only thing the Deaconess could advise was that they increase their prayer time.
In this particular scene, I was angry at the Deaconess's attitude and lack of concern, eventually we too sometimes especially those who have the responsibilities of mentorship and living an exemplary lifestyle shy away from addressing certain issues of life that affect us because we think they are too carnal to be discussed or addressed.
This key factor was what Adire used to win the favor of Salewa and other women, she didn't just teach them how to keep their husbands but she also showed and gave them what was needed to keep their husbands. Men are usually attracted to what they see, while women are attracted to what they hear, so looking good, sexy, and attractive is one of the other ways of keeping a man.
Deaconess was a strict and serious-minded woman who lacked the essence of compassion and motherly show of affection towards the people under her care, especially her daughter, she was quick to judge and condemn anyone she feels isn't on the right path, she was proud, arrogant and self-centered. Her inhumane attitude made her fail in her motherly role and obligations, especially to her only daughter; Simi.
Deaconess in this movie represents certain categories of people in life, who are extreme perfectionists, are never considerate of other people's feelings or opinions, and are self-centered, judgemental, and perfect to a fault. She was good at quoting scriptures and upholding the laws and teachings, ready to condemn the sinner instead of the sin committed.
Salewa's friendship with Adire after she confronted Adire at her place, in a way made Salewa believe in her abilities and capabilities, she won her husband back to herself and was able to engage herself in baking cakes as it was something she loved doing. Aside from a formal education, it is also very important that we engage ourselves with other skills; it may even be doing something we are passionate about, being an entrepreneur does not only make us financially independent but also boost our confidence in the services we can provide.
Adire's lifestyle may be morally wrong and formidable her show of interest and concern in saving others was quite commendable, although she was a community whore; she knew how to stand out, so there is this particular scene when a funeral service is ongoing for Abeni; a member of the church who got pregnant out of wedlock and died immediately after childbirth and Adire wore a white shirt dress to the funeral service while everyone else was wearing black. It was the confidence with which she walked in and though Deaconess always wanted to embarrass her at every given opportunity, Adire had a way of maintaining her composure and confidence.
Adire finds true love with Thomas (Ifeanyi Kalu), a widower who had lost his wife five years ago and needed companionship. Mr Thomas helps Adire discover her self-worth and dignity as a woman; who shouldn't be a free asset to men who wanted her.
In a society, where women are undervalued, treated as slaves, and, shown little or no regard at all, let us understand the great potential that lies within us and aim for a better version of ourselves, that alone can bring out our self-worth to the glaring eyes of others, never allowing us to think overwise.
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